Run, Run, Run

The last two Saturdays have been full of running races. This past Saturday, the kids ran in their 2nd annual "Run for the FUNd" one mile race supporting the scholarship program at a great preschool.

I've had to accept that they don't love running unless it is in a game OR filled with the hype of a race. We tried a couple times to "train" and I was met with resistance. However, they all INSISTED I sign them up for this one mile fun run. Do you see those smiles? I think they liked it!

I learned later that Aaron offered to stay near Irina so she wouldn't be alone. (Do you see her at the edge of the first photo?) Aaron made sure he was near her until the end when he sprinted ahead to the finish. She has some great brothers!

 I'm not sure of their times, but Luke was the first Smith kid to finish followed by Ethan. 

Then came Aaron and Irina. This silly Mommy, got choked up each time one of them crossed the finish line. 

What is my problem!?! ;) So proud of them for their determination!

 At the conclusion of the race they gave out prizes for first, second, and third place boys and girls. 

Our little girly got her first trophy for coming in third for the girls! (The boys had some stiffer competition.) She was thrilled. I must mention that at the conclusion of her race, she was in tears declaring that she didn't want to run in the race next year. I certainly didn't coerce her to run this time. We'll see how she feels come sign up time in 2016. I have a feeling she'll remember her trophy more then her stomach cramps. The smile below says it all.

Then Mommy had a turn to run in a 5K trail run. It was a fun course, but I'm not accustomed to running on anything but the road. I was more sore from the hills and trails on this run then the 10K road race I ran last weekend. (Which by the way, I need to thank my fan club for coming to cheer me on last weekend in the frigid temperatures! brrr...)

 Somehow I got 2nd place for the girls! My first ever medal for running. I wasn't all that speedy (27:16), but it was really special to see the proud reaction from the kids. Made my day! They were excited to hear their Mommy's name called and were super sweet. (jumping up and down, giving me kisses, patting me on the back -- especially Luke and Irina.)

Thank you, Darin, for carting us to races early on Saturday mornings two weekends in a row. I know they don't excite you, but we are so grateful for your support!!!

Flowers Have Bloomed

Back in September, I blogged about my heart feeling like a dry dessert. (As seen HERE) However, in the midst of that dryness the Lord was drawing me to Him. I was thirsty and knew the only thing that would bring life was my relationship with Jesus Christ. As a result, I had HOPE. It was shaky, but it was there.

This passage of scripture was a source of great encouragement:
"The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy." Isaiah 35:1-2

Shortly after I posted my rumblings to the blog, I received this from a dear friend at church:

"Plant these now and in the spring you will be reminded of the new life that comes from Christ." 

And so, I followed her instructions and found a good spot to plant the crocus bulbs. Ethan was my helper. 

What could be more joyful on this day before Easter then to see these blooms? 

"O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  - from the Book of Common Prayer

12 years old

Do you see the little 9 year old cutie pie on the right? 

This is a photo of Irina and her friend Irina in Ukraine (yes, they shared the same birthday month AND name). Thanks to a program called "An Orphan Smiles" each child who was sponsored received a birthday cake at some time during their birthday month. (And thanks to that we have some photos of Irina from when she was 8-10 years old.) 

 It's hard to believe that same little girl turned TWELVE today!

In our exuberance to celebrate our dear daughter last year, we set the bar entirely too high. Oh, the expectations leading up to her birthday were nearly impossible to meet. There were so many emotions prior to the anticipated birthday. "I cannot wait until my birthday!" None of the kids settled easily for bed on Thursday evening. The boys were just as excited as Irina. Irina (our late sleeper) was up and ready by 6am! Oh dear.

After gift opening and a delicious omelet made by Daddy, we were off on a field trip to Shirley Plantation with classmates of the older boys. It was a great outing for the whole family. The weather was a bit breezy, but 79 degrees was perfect for a picnic following our tour.

 Ahem, Aaron... I don't think you are supposed to pick those daffodils. uh oh.

 She enjoyed the afternoon building legos and playing with gifts. 

Whereas the boys would be so embarrassed to be sung to at a restaurant, 

she really enjoyed her Mexican serenade.  She loves the spotlight!

 Happy Birthday sweet girl! You have learned so much in the past year and 

you are growing into a lovely young lady. We love you!

Tea Party

On Sunday, we had a *simple* birthday party for Irina with five of her sweet friends. 

I got carried away and it was a little less simple then I had intended, but it was lovely. I pulled out tea cups I collected as a young girl, borrowed napkin ring holders, and little bowls for tea bags. I enjoyed setting the table with Irina's help and of course arranged flowers. Irina was so happy to make place setting cards for each girl practicing her new cursive skills. 

Our sweet daughter felt very LOVED and cherished and that felt good to me. Our mother-daughter relationship can be a bit tricky so maybe that is why it felt so important to me to make this party special? It is taking time for a comfortable love to grow between us.

And of course it was a "Doll and Me Par-TEA!" I fixed Irina's hair to match her doll Rebecca. 

Before we were seated at the table, we took the time to go over proper table manners. 

The boys had an important job as greeters, servers, and helpers. 

The boys escorted each of the girls to the table. I LOVED the nervous giggles coming from Ethan. 

Originally, I planned to have just tea and cake. Next thing I knew, I was making cucumber sandwiches, a fruit and cheese platter, and Irina asked to make a sweet treat from her girls cookbook.

The best decision I made was to hire my friend Leslie to make the cake. Isn't it beautiful?!! 

I'm so grateful she was willing. She doesn't have a cake business, but I've seen beautiful cakes she has made for her family. So blessed she was willing to serve us AND deliver the cake! It tasted great too!

 The boys carefully served the girls each platter of food. They took their job very seriously. 

 Concentrating ;) 

 Check out the cool surprise inside! More pink!

We played a few games... balancing the book on their heads, 

who can stack the sugar cubes into the highest tower in a minute, 

 and one other game (not pictured - my camera battery died). 

Each girl got to take home a framed bible verse. With the help of my mom, I got frames from Goodwill. 

Then I spray painted them silver and put in the verse. Thanks Mother!

Irina was literally floating the rest of the afternoon. She kept saying, "You so good to me, Mommy. Thank you for your idea for my party. I loved my birthday party." (on repeat!) Then... "I can't wait for my birthday." (which is Friday and won't be nearly as exciting, I'm afraid.)

Such a special afternoon. And do you realize how many dishes my hard working husband washed and dried? Oh my goodness! Thank you, Darin, for taking care of that end of the party. Phew!